Tag: 2 Peter

Nearsighted Blindness

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Journal Entry // November 19, 2022

For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. (ESV)

2 Peter 1:9

The qualities that should supplement our faith that Peter is referring to in this passage are virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These are the qualities that every believer should see being manifest in their life. These qualities should be present and growing in an ever-increasing abundance. They are the status indicators of our heart and soul that reveal to us our inner motivation and desires. They are important insights that need to be carefully reviewed and understood. For if we are lacking in these qualities and our faith is not being worked out and demonstrated with the fruit of these qualities, then we are blind. Blind to the truth of the gospel. Blind to the cleansing and washing away of our sin by the precious blood of Christ.

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Patient Grace

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Journal Entry // November 30, 2021

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

God’s patience appears to be slowness to the eyes of the impatient, which I am definitely counted as one. The world around us, from the beginning of time, has pushed against God’s patience and uses it as an excuse for sin and “proof” that God doesn’t exist. Challenging our faith by pointing out the continued rising of the sun each morning and the daily, weekly, annual running of the world and universe. Using their logic to say that this shows there is no God or that he is distant. Peter tells me not to fall into the trap of this lie.

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Deceptive Promises

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Journal Entry // November 27, 2021

They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.

2 Peter 2:19 ESV

This whole chapter of 2 Peter was challenging to my thoughts this morning, but this verse in particular really struck at my heart. It speaks into two areas of importance for my life and walk with Christ. One, I have freedom in Christ but am I using this as a concept only that gives me license to sin. Second, has sin overcome me and now enslaved me? These are challenging thoughts as I know that I should be a slave to Christ alone and I will find freedom through his grace. I fear that I am thinking to lightly of God’s mercy and living in hypocrisy.

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Effective and Fruitful

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Journal Entry // November 26, 2021

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:8 ESV

Virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. These are the qualities, which supplement our faith, that Peter is referencing in this verse. These qualities should be mine and should be increasing in my life. Why is this important? These qualities enable me to live an effective and fruitful life for Jesus.

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